mini- update

Hey guys. thanks so much for your nice messages. Oddly, the one thing that wipes me out fastest is sitting at my computer. Not good, since my job consists of me sitting at my computer. Good thing I have some time- I go back to work next Tuesday. I just had an epiphany- I need food. I made myself a little shake with Fat free Carb countdown mil**** frozen mango, and proetein powder. It tasted like doo doo so I took about a 1/4 cup of shake and mixed it in a glass with about a 1/4 cup of diet v-8 tropical splash. Totally drinkable. I cannot imagine trying to figure out total protein grams or calories right now. All I feel up to is to try to keep drinking water/propel, keeping up with the lortab, the respirometer, and to keep walking a little. The walking is actually really nice and relaxing. My damn phone keeps ringing - all well meaning family and friends....but it's exhausting. pooped....out, more later. ps any tips on how to keep this stage SIMPLE? and get close to the nutrients I need? ps. I go see the surgeon on Tuesday for staple removal....

Wow! Tuesday? Are you gonna be ok? I would do the pudding thing, jello (sf) propel water, or water, and I liked those EAS premixed protein drinks that came in 4 pack. The Hood milk is good and today I tried one of their yogurt smoothies...mmmmm yummie. Try one. If you can get someone to go to the store for you, have them get you a couple. You are on the right track. Rest, pain meds, fluids, spirometer, repeat. (in what ever order you need! Glad you are doing ok. Just pop in when you can! Val

Hey guys. Thanks. Val, I love those CCountdown yogurt smoothies, already have some in stock. Great minds and all.... However, I think the EAS 4 packs are VILE. All I tried was the citrus fruity ones, though...do you like the others? You guys mind laying the puddin recipe on me? I guess it's just sf pudding with protein powder added? Since I am only going to be eating by the clock (not hunger or desire).....should I start in on my 5-6 pre-determined chow times, now? by the way...I go to work, NEXT tuesday...not day after tomorrow. I hope I'll be ready...right now I'm surely not. night!

Hey Annie, Isn't that weird. I love the berry mix eas drink, Earl doesn't like it at all, and I can't find it now anywhere. Guess I am the odd one out on that one! I wouldn't worry about the glutamine in the pudding. It is mainly for muscle recovery after working out. Yep, start the clock running now. Believe me, that was one of the things I had to learn for myself. You will be happy you did. I was miserable until I figured that one out! I thought next Tuesday was a little early too. Just get plenty of rest...sorry just the mama hen coming out in me. Can't help it. Between being a mom and a nurse, I just can't control the worry sometimes! Take it easy! Val

email me your address and I'll send you my 3 remaining containers of EAS if ya want. I guaranteee I will NEVER drink em. here's another question: When the 4 (or sometimes 5 or 6) hours is up on my last dose of liquid Loretab, I have been getting SPLTTING headaches. Usually I have been asleep, and then BAM, I'm awake, in pain, and it's time for drugs, liquids, maybe a little walk, maybe some protein.... What can I take besides Loretab? Tylenol? I know apsirin is a no-no, but I forget about other otc meds.

I will email you tonight after I get home from work. Just a crappy work day today!!! Lortab has tylenol in it, so you don't want to take any additional tylenol. That will just bonk your liver. I am not sure what else to tell you. I would just try to get the fluids in as best you can and rest. You are depriving your body right now so the head ache is normal. If it gets unbearable or isn't relieved I would give my doc a call just to tell them. But I imagine they will start to ease up soon.

Simple is the key, do not count now, just get in what you can, WATER, walking, whatever food is on your list, the power pudding maybe. Good to see you back, congrats to you.

Annie, You probably won't be able to get in all the protein this early. Just keep trying. Rest and drink water, and don't answer your phone when you're tired. I agree with Earl, you are going back to work quite early. Please take care of yourself. Hugs, Chris